The City of Norfolk, Virginia

Norfolk, the traditional urban center of Hampton Roads, is built up around the world's largest Navy base. It's home to one of the busiest international ports on the East Coast and houses an international airport. Its businesses provide nearly one third of the jobs in Hampton Roads.

The city is a destination for culture and entertainment, including the Chrysler Museum of Art, Chrysler Hall, Harrison Opera House, Attucks Theatre and Wells Theatre. The Virginia Symphony, Virginia Ballet, Virginia Opera, and a Triple A baseball team -- the Tides -- are based here. Waterside and Granby Street downtown are known for nightlife.

Still, Norfolk is being passed by its neighbors in at least one area: growth. According to estimates within the last five years, Norfolk's population is basically stagnant, while its suburban neighbors, Chesapeake and Suffolk, continue to boom.

Check out the Ghent neighborhood for shops, trendy restaurants and the Naro, an independent movie theater. The Norfolk Botanical Garden spans 155 acres, with more than 20 theme gardens that can be seen by tram, boat or foot.

The National Maritime Center is also known as Nauticus. The Battleship Wisconsin and the Hampton Roads Naval Museum are operated by the Navy nearby.

Other attractions include cruise ships, MacArthur Center shopping district and the Virginia Zoological Park. While exploring, keep an eye out for mermaids, the city's logo.